Elite isolation scorers
While the Rockets played without Harden last night, they typically have the frontrunner for MVP on the court when they play Golden State. Both Harden and Chris Paul pose elite isolation threats for Houston.
More from Blue Man Hoop
- 3x champion may come to regret forgoing Golden State Warriors reunion
- Golden State Warriors: History shows USA may need Stephen Curry for more than the Olympics
- 7 players Golden State Warriors might replace Klay Thompson with by the trade deadline
- Golden State Warriors villain pours on more pain to end USA’s World Cup
- Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry continues philanthropic efforts off the court
The real trouble is when the Warriors switch. The Warriors have boasted one of the best lineups in NBA history with their death lineup. In just over 120 minutes on the court, the lineup is plus-60 on the scoreboard this season.
However, with any lineup besides the death lineup on the court, the Rockets pick the Warriors apart with screens. It’s mainly Chris Paul facilitating as Clint Capela, Kenneth Faried or Nene set a screen and flare to the side.
Then, it’s Paul or Harden alone with a Looney, Cousins or Bell-like player. That usually ends up with points on the board for Houston and has been the team’s main form of offense.
Harden and Paul nearly combined to average 50 points per game in the 2018 Western Conference Finals. It’s also the fact that it’s not just a one-man show. While Harden has a much higher usage rate, the two combine to create such a powerful force.
The Rockets are 3-0 against the Warriors this season, including one 21-point beatdown.